Brakes to be pulled on east Caithness mobile post office service
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The loss of the “vital” Wick mobile post office, which is to stop running later this month, will impact on rural areas and be “sorely missed,” according to a local councillor.
Jan McEwan, a Wick and East Caithness ward representative, described the decision as a shock.
She was speaking after the Post Office confirmed the service, which visits Reiss, Latheron, Keiss, Thrumster, Mey, Auckengill, Canisbay, Mid Clyth, Berriedale, Westerdale and Pulteneytown, will cease from Thursday, May 23 at 3.45pm, following the resignation of the operator.
Councillor McEwan said: “This is another shock and cut back. The mobile van is a vital service to these communities and will be sorely missed not only for the service but for the social aspect too.”
A Post Office spokeswoman apologised for “any inconvenience caused by the closure of these services”. She stressed the Macleay Lane post office in Wick – situated in the Poundstretcher store – will continue to run as usual and pointed out that efforts are being made to restore services at Reiss, Keiss and Thrumster if suitable premises can be found.
She said: “In a very challenging economic climate, the Post Office has undertaken a comprehensive review of the network at a very detailed, local level, analysing customer demand and accessibility of products and services. Consequently, it has informed our plans for the Post Office network to ensure our finite funding and resources are allocated to deliver maximum benefit for all customers.
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“As a result, we are not currently looking to replace the services at Latheron, Mey, Auckengill, Canisbay, Mid Clyth, Berriedale, Westerdale and Pulteneytown.”
However, the spokeswoman added: “We are looking to restore the services at Reiss, Keiss and Thrumster if we can identify a postmaster in the surrounding area who is willing to operate these services and a suitable location such as a village, community or church hall where the service can operate from. These vacancies will soon be advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk”
She said: “Wick Post Office is operated by a different postmaster and services at this branch at Macleay Lane are not affected. It is the nearest alternative Post Office for many of these communities.
“Dunbeath Post Office is the nearest alternative for Latheron and Berriedale. John O’Groats Post Office is an alternative for Mey, Auckengill and Canisbay. Lybster Post Office is the closest to Mid Clyth and the Westerdale community is advised to visit Halkirk.
“Customers can visit www.postoffice.co.uk/branchfinder for the locations, opening times and services of alternative locations.”
Glyn Jackson, who is 48 and has run the Wick mobile post office van for almost 18 years, explained why he has decided to give up the role. He said he enjoys the work but wants to take on new challenges at this stage in his life.
Mr Jackson is looking at other career options but admitted to having mixed emotions about his departure. “I love the job and will miss the customers but feel it is time for a change,” he said.
His wife Joy will continue to run the post office at the Poundstretcher store in Macleay Lane.
